While these sections on the Common Application portal aren’t hidden, they may be overlooked or rushed through versus contemplated for a possible value-add to a student’s application:
Responsibilities and Circumstances (Activities Section)
This opportunity to flesh out a student’s “brand story” was introduced last year and while only a few of my students had relevant information to provide, the space offered those few the ability to share key details about their lives. Whether it’s a weekly commitment of reading the news to an elderly grandparent or daily caretaking of a mother with Parkinson’s Disease, students assume responsibilities and confront circumstances that colleges want to hear about.
Challenges or Other Circumstances (Writing/Additional Information Section)
One of my students was Zooming with me from a car because a flood had destroyed her home; similarly, another was staying with a friend after a wildfire burned not only her house but car. Still other students suffer from debilitating mental health conditions and one was just returning from military deployment. If these challenges or circumstances haven’t impacted your life, you’re lucky! But if they have, colleges would love for you to share what you’ve endured.
Additional Details or Qualifications (Writing/Additional Information Section)
I advise students to “be positive” in this section, even when discussing a grade dip or a health issue. There are ways to frame academic hiccoughs or medical situations that can make them attractive versus red flags. I had a student who took a more advanced math class to stretch his personal limit; he received his lowest mid-term grade ever. Instead of defeat, however, this student viewed the poor performance as a call-to-action: he studied harder, asked more questions in class, and initiated peer study groups, inching himself back up to A-level status. A student-athlete underwent ACL surgery during his AP testing period and while he was out for his lacrosse season, he managed to get 4s/5s on his four APs. Regarding extracurriculars, I’ve had students detail additional Activities in this space, but only if those efforts reflect a character aspect that reveals a unique personality trait (grit) rather than rehashes what’s already been expressed in the application (leadership).
Admissions committee readers want to learn more about the students they’re considering accepting into their school community. Make your application inform and enlighten them. In summary, don’t waste admissions committee readers’ time with redundancy or irrelevancy!
SEP